A femoral neck fracture, which occurs at the junction of the femoral head and the shaft of the femur, is a severe type of fracture that causes partial or total loss of mobility around the hip joint. Dr. Tran Anh Vu, Head of Sports Medicine and Endoscopy, Orthopedic Trauma Center, Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, stated that without timely treatment, patients with femoral neck fractures often experience severe pain, numerous complications, and can even face mortality.

Ms. Ngoc had a coronary artery stent placed in 2025 and suffers from heart failure. Dr. Huynh Thanh Kieu, Head of Cardiology Department one, Cardiology Center, Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, assessed that the patient faced potential complications during surgery, including arterial embolism, pulmonary embolism, vascular damage, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, and cardiogenic shock. Furthermore, she was on blood thinners following her stent placement, increasing the risk of significant blood loss during surgery and prolonging recovery.

The medical team managed the patient's condition by administering pain relievers, diuretics, heart failure medication, and antibiotics. Concurrently, her anticoagulant medication was paused to minimize the risk of severe bleeding during the operation. She also received nutritional support through an oral feeding tube, consisting of pureed porridge and milk.

After five days, the patient’s heart and kidney functions stabilized, and her infection cleared. Surgeons then performed a partial hip replacement.

Dr. Vu (center) and the surgical team performing hip replacement for the patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

During the procedure, doctors replaced the deformed femoral head with an artificial one, attaching it to a stem that precisely fit the patient's femur. Two days post-surgery, the patient continued with post-operative treatment, including physical therapy to restore hip joint function. She was discharged after two weeks and is expected to regain normal walking ability within one to two months.

Several factors contribute to older adults being more susceptible to femoral neck fractures than younger individuals. According to Dr. Vu, Ms. Ngoc suffered from severe osteoporosis, which reduced her bone strength, and end-stage renal failure, impairing calcium absorption. Falls from a standing position, common among the elderly, also elevate the risk of hip fractures.

Elderly individuals experiencing symptoms related to heart or kidney disease, such as extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, breathlessness, or loss of appetite, should seek early medical attention. Prompt examination can help detect these conditions in their initial stages and ensure timely treatment.

Thu Ha

*Patient's name has been changed